It Takes a Rake

Anna Bennett

Jan 2024 · Rogues To Lovers Book 3 · Sold by St. Martin's Paperbacks

About this ebook

The swoony, frothy finale to the Rogues to Lovers series from award-winning author Anna Bennett.

She’s about to face her biggest challenge yet...

Since she was a girl, Miss Kitty Beckett has been adept at finding trouble: sneaking brandy, running away, and getting under the skin of the boy who, like her, was an apprentice to an architect. Now Kitty’s a talented heiress who can take a dry building plan and breathe life into it with her pencils and paints. Also? She can spot a rake at a hundred yards—and she won’t be tricked or charmed into marriage. Certainly not by a man who might interfere with her dreams. When Bellehaven Bay announces its first ever architectural design contest, she vows to win—with a little help from her childhood rival.

Turning her buttoned-up nemesis into a certified rake.

Leo Lockland, a hardworking architect with a gift for numbers, has returned home after a few years in London, and he has secrets. The biggest? He’s been in love with Kitty since they were both apprentices. She refuses to give her heart to any man, but Leo’s determined to beat the odds—even if it means learning how to be a rake. Fortunately, Kitty’s willing to tutor him in the nuances of fashion, flirtation, and seduction in exchange for his help with the contest. But the whole plan would fall apart if she knew how he felt, so he’ll have to be very convincing.

Let the lessons begin...

Leo proves to be a surprisingly quick study in the ballroom, on the beach, and in the bedchamber. Before long, he’s softening Kitty’s hard edges with his wicked words and kissing his way past all her defenses. Perhaps she’s a bit too skilled at teaching, because her lessons are threatening to backfire, putting her closely guarded heart in grave danger...

Ratings and reviews

Warm and charming romance After meeting Kitty in the first book, as a young teen, I expected nothing less than for her to give her eventual suitor a real run for his money! Leo is her match in every way, even though he's her complete opposite, and the antithesis of what she's looking for. Once he finds out she's looking for a rake, he knows he needs to present a different side of himself to get her attention. I loved his patient devotion to her, how he balanced her cynicism with his own hopeful longing. This was a romance built on a solid friendship, and it worked perfectly to break down the obstacles in Kitty's heart. If it weren't for the astonishingly predictable way their misunderstandings were eventually resolved, it would be a five-star read for me. I enjoyed how the HEA and epilogue tied up all the loose ends for all three couples in the series. If you've read either of the earlier books, you owe it to yourself to read this one and see how it all comes together for the Bellehaven Belles. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Rake lessons brings rivals Kitty Beckett and Leo Lockland scandalously closer in “It Takes a Rake” by Anna Bennett! The female main character is daring, refreshing, and breaks gender norms. I love that she could be dramatic yet comedic. The male main character utilizes his rake lessons however is still a cinnamon roll. Kitty and Leo’s banter and secret feelings makes this book a page turner. I highly recommend this book!

Trouble-seeking heiress Kitty is determined to win an architectural contest. Her returning childhood rival Leo, secretly in love with her, offers to help in exchange for flirtation lessons. But his hidden feelings for her jeopardize everything. Will their lessons lead to love? This light-hearted and emotional novel has likeable and engaging characters that you can’t help rooting for. Some aspects stretch credibility, but overall, it’s a fun read. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.

About the author

Anna Bennett is the award-winning author of the Debutante Diaries and Wayward Wallflowers series. Her dream of writing romance began during a semester in London, where she fell in love with the city, its history, and its pubs. Now Anna's living happily-ever-after in Maryland with her family, who try valiantly not to roll their eyes whenever she quotes Jane Austen.